Dad forgot to hang up the call. «She’s nothing! A failure, should’ve never been born…

That’s the dream. My mother agreed. I’m tired of walking on eggshells around Audrey, pretending to be interested in her work stories.

Remember last Christmas when she gave us those expensive watches? My father laughed, like we needed a reminder of how much money she has. So tasteless. My stomach lurched.

Those watches had cost me $3,000. I’d spent weeks researching the perfect style for each of them, wanting to give them something special that would last. Well, we’ll just keep playing the game for now, my mother said.

She needs us more than we need her, even if she doesn’t realize it. Without us, who does she have? No husband, no kids, just that awful friend Zoe who keeps putting ideas in her head. True.

Remember when Zoe convinced her to take that trip to Cabo instead of helping us with the bathroom remodel? Selfish, both of them. I’d canceled that trip. At the last minute, after my father complained about needing help with the house projects, I’d lost the deposit and used my vacation days to paint and tile instead.

The conversation continued, but I couldn’t bear to hear more. My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. Nausea swept over me in waves.

I backed away silently, grateful I’d worn flats instead of my usual heels. Somehow, I made it back to my car without being detected. As I sat behind the wheel, my hands were shaking so badly I couldn’t insert the key.

Fragments of their conversation echoed in my mind. A failure. Should’ve never been born.

My real achievement. Saving a fortune. The girl they wished had never existed was bankrolling their comfortable retirement.

I don’t remember driving to Zoe’s apartment. I must have operated on autopilot, muscle memory guiding me through familiar streets while my mind replayed 31 years of memories in a harsh new light. The times my academic achievements were acknowledged with distracted nods while Heather’s C++ in art was displayed proudly on the refrigerator.

The college graduation party they left early because Heather’s son had a cold. The countless times they’d needed loans that were never repaid. By the time I parked outside Zoe’s building, my shock had hardened into something else.

Something cold and clear and certain. For the first time in my life, I saw my family exactly as they were. Not as I desperately wanted them to be.

They said what? Zoe’s voice echoed through her apartment as I recounted what I’d overheard. Her normally calm demeanor had given way to rage on my behalf, her hands gesticulating wildly as she paced back and forth. You need to confront them right now, she insisted, reaching for her phone.

I’ll drive you back there myself. I shook my head, curling deeper into the corner of her couch. I can’t go back there tonight.

I can’t look at them knowing what they really think of me. Zoe sat beside me, taking my trembling hands in hers. Then stay here.

As long as you need. The shock was wearing off, leaving room for memories to surface. Moments I’d dismissed or rationalized away now returning with painful clarity.

Like the time I’d used my entire first year-end bonus, $15,000, to pay off the remaining debts from my father’s failed business. He’d accepted the check with a casual, thanks, kiddo, before immediately calling Heather to discuss her eldest son’s private school applications. Or the European vacation I’d planned for years, postponed three times to cover family emergencies…